Leo Robin, one of the wittiest and most literate Hollywood lyricists, was born in Pittsburgh on 6 April 1895 to Max and Fannie (Finkespearl) Robin. The Robins lived a meager existence in one of the bleaker neighborhoods of Pittsburgh, which may account for young Leo's fierce determination to succeed. He went to New York City to break into show business, found success, was lured to California by Paramount, and achieved further success writing and collaborating on many songs. Robin accomplished what few other lyricists could--he began on Broadway, went to California, wrote successfully, and returned to Broadway triumphantly.

Robin entered the University of Pittsburgh after high school and studied law in 1915-1916. He had given thought to becoming an attorney but soon became unhappy with the course work. He went to a theatrical production in Pittsburgh and was filled with a new ambition--the theater. From 1917 though 1918 he studied dramatics at...